Crime Prevention

Property theft from a vehicle is one of the most preventable crimes. Answer the following questions to find out if your daily habits are inadvertently increasing your chance of becoming a property crime victim.

Do you always lock your car? Leaving your car unlocked is an open invitation to a thief. It is important to always lock your car and close all your windows even if you're gone for only a moment, and even if you've parked in your own driveway.

Have you ever left your purse, wallet, keys, laptop, briefcase, or any other property in your vehicle unattended? If you answered yes, you are placing temptation right in the path of a would-be thief. Always take your things with you. Never try to hide them under a sweater or beneath the seats. Thieves are not fooled by this common practice.

Do you leave your garage door open or unlocked—even for a short while? It's always a good idea to park in your garage whenever possible. (Is it time to clean out your garage and make room for your car?) Remember to keep the garage door closed and locked at all times—even if you're just right inside the house, or working in the backyard.

Police experience shows that in more than 50% of property theft cases, victims failed to follow simple precautions to safeguard their vehicles and belongings. Theft is a crime of opportunity. Don't become a convenient target. Take charge by changing any risky behavior. Likewise, if you notice something in your neighborhood that's not quite right, follow your intuition and let us know by calling the non-emergency dispatch phone number at (714) 990-7911. As always, report life-threatening emergencies by calling 911.

Many victims of vehicle crimes find themselves victims of identity theft. If your vehicle contained identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number and mother’s maiden name, you are at risk of identity theft. An Identity Theft Quick Reference Guide is available at police records front counter (Level 1, Civic and Cultural Center) to assist you in protecting yourself against identity theft and notifying key agencies if you suspect someone has assumed your identity.